More information: The Custodian is a new British post-progressive rock band formed by Richard Thomson, vocalist for cinematic death metal band Xerath. Unlike Xerath, The Custodian is an outlet for the more melodic, rock oriented writing from Thomson.

While there are moments in the album that harken back to old school bands like Genesis and Yes, the music of The Custodian is contemporary in sound. Necessary Wasted Time is an album full of dynamics - light and dark shadings balancing acoustic vs electric, heavy vs pastoral. While atmospherics and tension are a strong component of the album, the band demonstrates their adept musicianship offering up long instrumental passages to complement the emotion filled vocals. When needed the band unleashes some complex electric runs.

The Custodian's debut should deeply resonate with fans of Steven Wilson, Riverside, Pineapple Thief, and Anathema.

Necessary Wasted Time was mixed by noted engineer Jacob Hansen and given the full audiophile mastering treatment from Bob Katz.